Report by Aidan Shaw

Cockburn City fought hard to hold league- leaders Bayswater City to a 1-1 draw in round 14 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues WA at Finance 365 Stadium on Saturday.

A wonder strike by substitute Liam Murray in the 68th minute was cancelled out by Jamie Coyne’s deflected goal seven minute later, before Murray was sent off and Cockburn ground out the solitary point.

Cockburn coach Scott Miller said his side showed great discipline against the team who have claimed the last three league titles.

“Bayswater are the best team in WA, and not just for this year but for the last four or five years,” he said.

“I thought our work rate today to try and stop them playing was very good; the boys helped each other all around the park.”

A scoreless first half saw Bayswater enjoy the majority of chances and possession, as the visitors worked hard to contain them.

The match came to life in the second half as both teams began playing some great counterattacking football.

The home side almost hit the lead in the 50th minute after a prolonged goalmouth scramble but Cockburn eventually managed to clear their lines.

The visitors took the lead in the 68th minute when Liam Murray, who had come off the bench a minute earlier, provided a moment of individual brilliance.

Murray unleashed a superb left-footed shot from well outside the box that found the top left via the fingertips of Devon Spence.

Bayswater responded seven minutes later when Jamie Coyne was given too much space on the edge of the area following a corner.

Coyne struck a powerful shot that deflected off a defender and found the back of the net despite Luke Radonic’s best attempt at a save.

Murray went from hero to zero in the 80th minute when he received his second yellow in as many minutes.

Bayswater pushed hard for a late winner, but couldn’t capitalise despite their numerical advantage.

Miller praised Murray’s performance despite the send-off, and described his 68th minute strike as a potential goal of the season.

“I told him to get on the pitch and shoot every time he got it, and he’s put one in the top corner so I can’t complain,” Miller said.

“He gets a free beer and then the donkey shirt; one for scoring goal of the year and one for getting sent off.”

Bayswater’s Chris Coyne lamented his side’s missed chances, but took some positives from the match going forward.

“We’re playing well, we just can’t score at the moment,” he said.

“I’m not too disheartened, but if we weren’t creating chances I’d start worrying. If we play like we did in the second half next week, I’ve got no issues.”

The result sees Bayswater leapfrogged at the top of the table by Inglewood who now lead on goal difference, while Cockburn remain ninth.

Bayswater City 1 (Coyne 75)
Cockburn City 1 (Murray 68)
Saturday, June 25, 2016    
Finance 365 Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Steven Gregory
Assistant referees: Ammar Timour, Gabriele Merlacco

Bayswater City: GK Devon SPENCE, 2. Jack JONES (5. Andrew REALE 64), 6. Todd HOWARTH (14. Lawrence SHURUMA 70), 10. Jason MIRCO (23. Andrija JUKIC 67), 13. Trent KAY (c), 15. Brian FARRELL, 16. Jamie COYNE, 19. Alex SALMON, 20. Sam MITCHINSON, 21. David HEAGNEY, 22. Nathan COSTELLO
Substitutes not used: RGK Fraser GREENWOOD, 17. Alex WILD
Yellow cards: Salmon 80’
Red cards: nil

Cockburn City: GK Luke RADONIC, 4. Euen GRANT (c), 6. Reuben TRISTAO, 7. Ali GHOLAMI (17. Jesse LAZZARO 80), 8. Cameron EDWARDS, 10. David ARAYA, 13. Blake ADAMS, 14. Julian TELES (19. Liam MURRAY 68), 16. Daniel DOLS, 18. Andrew EMSAVANA (3. Nathan DE ABREU 53), 20 Joshua KUSAR
Substitutes not used: RGK Ryan BARKER
Yellow cards: Edwards 65’, Murray 79’, 80’
Red cards: Murray 80’